Division 


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Section 


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APR  Sb  1924 


The  Virgin  Birt 

Illumined 


A  Recension  of  Fundamentals 
A.  M.  4004— A.  D.  1 


By  A  Modernist. 


Saint'  Louis 

The  William  Harvey  Miner  Co.,  Inc. 
Nineteen  Twenty-three 


Copyright  September,  1923 

The  William  Harvey  Miner,  Co.,  Inc., 

All  rights  reserved,  including  that 
of  translation  into  foreign  languages 
including  Scandinavian. 


“Before  deductive  interpretation  of  the  general  truths 
there  must  be  some  inductive  establishment  of  them.” 

Herbert  Spencer. 

“Therefore  the  Lord  Himself  shall  give  you  a  sign. 
Behold  a  Virgin  shall  conceive  and  bear  a  Son  and  shall 
call  His  name  Emanuel:  Butter  and  honey  shall  He  eat 
that  He  shall  know  to  refuse  the  evil  and  choose  the  good.” 

Isaiah  7.  14:15. 

“In  Christianity  scarcely  any  other  single  circumstance 
has  contributed  so  much  to  the  attraction  of  the  faith  as  the 
ascription  of  virginity  to  its  female  ideal.” — Lecky,  Euro¬ 
pean  Morals  I.  III. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2019  with  funding  from 
Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


https://archive.org/details/virginbirthillumOOunse 


Foreword 


This  defense  of  the  Virgin  Mother  of  Christ,  suggested 
by  the  shades  of  the  Prophetess  Anna,  Thos.  H.  Huxley, 
another  Biologist,  Dr.  Samuel  David  Gross  and  three  priests, 
is  not  an  apology  but  is  necessitated  by  the  heresy  trials 
and  higher  criticism,  which,  by  spreading  abroad  half- 
truths,  makes  a  most  difficult  way  for  already  handicapped 

womankind  by  intimating  a  fraud  that  threatens  to  bring 
into  contempt  all  the  “evidence”  and  casts  a  slur  on  Chris¬ 
tianity  that  is  not  warranted. 

For  more  than  twenty  years  I  have  held  my  peace  though 
often  sorely  tried  by  the  indignities  offered  the  Virgin  in  the 
rejection  of  her  sacrifice.  I  feel  that  the  time  has  come  for 
the  truth  to  be  told  whether  from  a  revelation  or  the  logical 
leading  through  deep  research.  The  fact  that  my  genealogy 
traces  in  an  unbroken  line  back  to  ninety  years  before  the 
Christian  era  may  be  of  interest.  A  Saxon  who  lived  in  the 
Mendip  hills  no  doubt  heard  much  of  this  Virgin  birth 
from  Joseph  of  Arimathea  who  was  a  witness  called  by  the 
Prophetess  Anna. 


“Where  there  is  no  vision  the  people  perish.” 


THE  VIRGIN  BIRTH  ILLUMINED 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 

All  day  the  smoke  of  incense  filled  the  air; 
All  day  on  Temple  altar  seethed  the  flesh 
Of  “firstlings  of  the  flock,”  and  now  outside 
The  Temple  gate  there  tarried  two. 

Long  had 

They  waited  on  the  Lord  for  one  was  daughter 
Of  that  Phanuel  who  was  of  tribe 


Page  Nine 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


Of  Aser.  She  was  fourscore  years  and  four 
And  she  had  vowed  a  vow  when  from  her  gaze 
Had  passed  the  husband  of  her  youth.  Now  heavily 
She  leaned  on  staff  and  spake  to  Simeon. 

“Didst  see,  oh  Simeon,  the  blemished  lamb 

Was  led  away  to  baser  use  and  how 

The  man  who  guided  it  was  grieved?  It  was 

The  firstling  of  his  flock  and  his  a  contrite 

Heart.  Oh!  I  am  weary,  Simeon,  of  these 

Priests’  sacrifice!  I  could  no  longer  stay 

Did  I  not  know  that  still  God’s  presence  in 

The  Ark  makes  this  my  place;  did  I  not  know 

Our  Father  Moses  knew  aright  the  first 

Sad  steps  these  people  still  must  go.  ‘Through  weal 

And  woe’ — God  willed  it  so  because  He  would. 

But  now  I  feel  the  time  has  come  when  He 
Would  lead  His  people  up  from  this  Red  Sea 
For  yet  a  closer  walk  with  Him  and  we 
Are  called,  oh  Simeon,  to  labor  with  our  God.’’ 


Page  Ten 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


“What  dost  thou  prate  of,  woman?”  said  the  man, 
Impatiently,  though  he  drew  back  to  hear 
For  this  was  Prophetess  and  she  was  old. 

“Thou  knowest,  Simeon,  how  often  and  again 
The  visions  trouble  me — even  as  our 
Great  Daniel,  and  how  I  wrestle  oft  with  deep 
And  mighty  matters  of  the  Law.  But  never 
Y et  till  now  have  I  beheld  the  palm-tree  ^ 

In  my  dreams  and  never  yet  till  now 
Hath  ^  Jeremias  come:  but  I  beheld 
Them  both  last  night,  and  now  I  know  Messias 
Comes  and  we  must  gird  us  for  our  work 
For  we  are  called  of  God.” 

“Ah,  Mother  Anna, 

But  thy  years  protect  thee  I’d  bid  thee  hence 
To  rest.  We  are  too  old  for  this  great  work.” 

*  Tamar, — palm 

^  In  Jewish  tradition  a  vision  of  Jeremias  meant  “Messias  comes.” 
See  note  35. 


Page  Eleven 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


“But,  Simeon,  to  none  but  our  years  comes  the  lore 
When  ‘coming  events  cast  their  shadows  before.’ 

True,  I  am  weary  and  the  time  grows  short.  But  that 
I  learned  from  Egypt  how  I  might  renew 
My  strength,  I  would  long  since  have  slumbered  with 
The  dead,  and  thou  must  know,  oh  Simeon,  that  after 
The  alloted  span,  the  three  score  years 
And  ten  are  gone,  are  spent  in  duty  and 
In  work,  we  may  if  further  work  remains 
Take  from  what  food  we  may,  even  we  Essens, 

Even  as  great  King  David  ate  the  Temple 
Shrewbread.  And  thou  canst  not  escape,  priest 
As  thou  art.  God  bids  me  summon  thee;  also 
Our  kinship. 

“Thou  knowest  that  our  strict  sect 
Hath  no  food  that  can  gird  my  worn  body  for  this  work. 
The  little  cruse  of  oil  I  brought  from  grove 
Of  far  off  Athens  is  now  spent  save  a  few 
Drops;  yesterday  I  feared  that  I  must  use 
Them  on  mine  own  head,  so  worn  was  I  with  care 


Pa^e  T^welve 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


And  so  long  had  mine  anointing  failed.  Those  sacred 
Drops  must  wait  for  greater  head  than  thine 
Or  mine! 

“But  thou  must  leave  me  now  and  send 
To  me  the  Maiden  that  goes  yonder;  she  will 
Bring  a  cooling  draught  and  guide  me  hence; 

And  thou,  oh  Simeon,  must  meet  with  me  at  Siloam 
Tomorrow  at  the  dawn  and  with  thee  food.” 

And  at  the  dawn  came  these  two  to  the  pool 
Fast  by  great  David’s  gate.  The  man  was  stern 
And  sad,  and  often  to  the  East  he  turned 
And  bowed  him  down,  the  while  he  gave  unto 
Her  hand  a  leathern  cruse.  The  woman  stood 
A  moment  gaunt  and  still  beside  cool  Siloam 
And  then  with  trembling  staff  she  touched  a  flower 
That  nestled  there  and  said, 

“See’st  thou  this  flower, 
Oh  Simeon?  This  to  thee  a  purple  blossom 
Is  and  nothing  more:  to  me  it  is 
The  loosen-strife,  and  thou  and  I  must  eat 


Pa^e  Thirteen 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


Of  it  ere  we  can  draw  in  this  stiff  yoke 
Confronts  us  now.  Is’t  but  a  symbol?  Well, 

I  crush  it  now  in  this  good  juniper. 

May  it  give  strength  and  may  God  bless  it  to  create 
Good.  Have  patience,  Simeon,  for  thou  must  know 

That  that  great  day  draws  near  that  we  have  longed 
For;  All  signs  and  portents  tell  it  is  upon  us. 

“When  in  that  dreadful  vision  Jeremias 

Came,  the  words  were  ®  Zachariah’s,  ‘Not 

By  might  or  power  but  by  my  Spirit,  sayeth 

The  Lord  of  Hosts,*  and  round  about  me  shone 

The  light  of  seven  lamps  and  I  beheld 

Two  olive  trees  and  near  them  a  form  all  clothed 

In  white,  and  a  voice  said,  ‘The  hands  of  Zerrababel 

Laid  foundation  of  this  house  and  who 

Shall  finish  it?  The  Lord  of  Hosts  hath  sent 

8  Zee.  IV. 


Paffe  Fourteen 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


Me  unto  thee  for  who  hath  despised  the  day 
Of  small  things?’ 

“And  I  lifted  up  mine  eyes 
And  behold  there  came  out  two  women  and  the  wind 
Was  in  their  wings  for  they  had  wings  like  storks, 

And  they  lifted  up  the  *  bath-kol  between  the  Heaven 
And  earth  and  I  said  to  the  angel,  ‘Where 
Do  these  bear  the  bath-kol?’  and  he  said,  ‘To  build 
It  an  house  in  the  land  of  Shinar  and  it  shall  be 
Established  there  on  her  own  base.’  “  And  what 
So  fit  a  place  as  Shinar,  Simeon?  The  place 


*  bath-kol.  A  kind  of  oracular  voice  frequently  referred  to  in  the 
Talmud,  the  later  Targums,  and  rabbinical  writers,  as  the  fourth 
grade  of  revelation,  constituting  an  instrument  of  divine  commu¬ 
nication  throughout  the  early  history  of  the  Israelites,  and  the 
sole  prophetic  manisfestation  which  they  possessed  during  the 
period  of  the  second  temple.  From  the  death  of  Haggai,  Zecha- 
riah  and  Malachi,  the  Holy  Spirit  (which,  according  to  the  Jewish 
distinction,  is  only  the  second  degree  of  the  prophetical  gift) 
was  withdrawn  from  Israel;  but  they  nevertheless  enjoyed  the  use 
of  the  Bath  Kol. 

Century  Dictionary. 

»Zac.  V. 


Page  Fifteen 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


Our  fathers  called  ‘God’s  golden  cup,’  wherein 
Was  gathered  blood  of  kings  and  all  that  makes 
For  strength  and  power. 

“Dost  think  so  vain  a  thing, 
That  all  so  soon  our  yoke  is  fallen  from  us? 

Dost  think  because  the  Groves  are  overthrown 
And  Baal’s  sacrificing  priests  cut  down  that  we 
No  more  doth  eat  the  accursed  food?  Behold! 

The  self-same  wine  thou  servest  on  the  altar 
Doth  set  the  people’s  teeth  on  edge  with  thoughts 
Drawn  from  a  pagan  source.  Unless  the  stream 
Be  purified  we  perish.  God  grant  that  thou 
And  I  have  strength  to  our  part  in  this! 

Entreat  him,  Simeon,  oh  thou  who  art  so  near 
The  Ark,  to  hear  our  supplication! 

“Nay, 

Turn  not  thus  away,  for  thou  art  chosen  still 
To  help.  By  ancient  sistrum  Essen  calls 


Paffe  Sixteen 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


Unto  the  great  Temple — ‘Wake  and  Help!*  ” 


The  man  turned  and  beheld  her  there  transformed; 

The  fever  inspiration  lent  a  robust 
Glow  to  her  gaunt  form  and  as  she  drew 
From  folds  of  coarse  white  robe  the  ancient 
Instrument,  her  voice  grew  strong,  and  mingled  with 
Its  clash,  “In  Temple  of  Isis  awaiting  a  crisis 
My  father’s  mother  served,  and  she  was  a  Priestess* 
Daughter,  who  ne’er  from  duty  swerved!’’ 

The  Priest 

Rose  stern  and  cold  as  if  to  go.  The  woman 
Cast  the  harp  aside  and  cried,  “Twas  but 
To  strike  a  chord  would  lead  our  thoughts  back  to 
The  past  for  fleeting  moments  view.  “  Thou  knowest 

®  Evidently  here  is  a  kind  of  intuitive  realization  of  what  scientists 
in  the  years  that  followed  co-related  and  established.  Vide  Prof. 
Huxley,  "It  may  be  laid  down  as  a  rule  that,  if  any  two  mental 
states  be  called  up  together,  or  in  succession  with  due  frequency 
and  vividness,  the  subsequent  production  of  the  one  of  them  will 
suffice  to  call  up  the  other — and  that  whether  we  desire  it  or  not." 


Paffe  Seventeen 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


Well  my  heart  is  with  the  Temple  here 
And  ever  has  been.  Strict  as  thyself  I  serve 
The  great  Jehovah.  This  labor  is  for  Him! 

Our  father  Ezra  there  in  Shinar,  oft 
Deep  brooding  over  wondrous  lore  found  that 
Great  Isis  was  our  Mother  Earth,  the  Ceres 
Who  doth  nourish  still  in  her  great  womb 
The  temple  that  we  dwell  in  while  we  wait. 

One  day  while  I  did  ponder  deep  on  this 
And  while  I  sat  by  western  wall,  outside 
The  gate  a  wandering  minstrel  sang, — ‘He 
From  the  gods  this  dreadful  answer  brought, 

‘Ol  Grecians,  when  the  Trojan  shores  you  sought, 
Your  passage  with  Virgin’s  blood  was  bought; 

So  must  your  safe  return  be  bought  again 
And  Grecian  blood  once  more  atone  the  main.’  ^ 

'^Virgil — Aeneid  11.  115. 


Page  Eighteen 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


If  for  the  heathen,  Simeon,  how  much  more  true 
For  us  who  art  called  more  to  sacrifice.” 

A  moment  yet  the  man  stood  still  in  awe. 

The  form  before  him  trembled  and  sank  down. 
‘‘Give  me  thy  hand  to  yonder  seat,  oh  Simeon. 
Sometimes  forgetting  I  grow  old  I  stand 
Too  long.  ’Tis  well  that  not  to-day  is  thine 
Or  mine  to  serve  at  other  altar,  for  I 
Have  much  that  must  be  told  to  thee,  for  see’st 
Thou  not  the  times  are  all  fulfilled? 

‘‘Nay,  I 

Am  not  mad  nor  heathen.  Thou  knowest  well 
My  days  are  spent  in  serving  near  the  Ark. 
There  is  no  priest  nor  prophet  that  doth  stricter 
Serve  the  God  of  Israel.  Thou  knowest,  too, 
That  ever  yet  I  came  to  Ark  the  seven 
Years  from  my  virginity  were  spent 


Pape  Nineteen 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


With  one  who  taught  me  well  the  lore  too  oft 
The  husbands  keep  unto  themselves.  Thou  knowest 
How  at  Ramah  I  was  schooled.  Is’t  strange 
Then  that  I  do  summons  thee,  for  I  cannot 
Alone  prevail?  For  never  yet  was  given 
Great  birth  on  earth  to  anything  but  that 
Our  God  called  two  or  more  to  act. 

“But  harken 

Simeon,  more  than  a  score  of  years 
Agone,  one  day  I  sat  here  worn  and  spent 
With  toil.  There  came  a  man  who  bent  with  years 
Was  leaning  on  this  staff.  He  said,  ‘I  come 
From  Nebo’s  mountain;  from  long  fasting  in 
The  cave  where  Jeremias  hid  the  altar 
Gifts,  and  some  I  now  restore.  For  thou 
Art  daughter  of  a  worthy  tribe  and  being 
Tribe  of  Aser,  thine  the  task  of  writing 


Pa^e  T<wenty 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


Down  the  lineage  from  Judah.  The  staff  ^ 

Is  Judah’s  that  he  sent  to  Tamar.  Hosea 
Sayeth  ‘By  a  prophet  brought  the  Lord 
Our  Israel  out  of  Egypt  and  by  a 
Prophetess  was  he  preserved.’  See  thou 
To  it,  daughter  of  that  great  tribe  who  dipped 
Their  feet  in  oil.’  And  he  was  gone. 

“About 

The  staff  was  tied  a  sleeve  from  a  priest’s  robe 

And  in  it  as  within  a  bag  three  golden 

Mice,  some  golden  powder  in  a  box 

And  seven  small  bones.  Tied  fast  within  the  faded 

Fringe  a  mitra  shell  and  on  a  parchment. 

This, — ‘The  dust  is  from  the  golden  calf 
That  Moses  ground  and  made  all  drink  of  it; 

But  this  aside  my  father’s  father  kept. 

®  This  staff  is  probably  the  one  referred  to  in  the  Roman  Douay 
Bible  in  Genesis  XXXlll  “and  Jacob  worshipped  the  staff.” 


Page  Twenty-one 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


The  bones  are  Joseph’s  found  by  one,  Anna, 
Who  long  sought  them.  These  to  a  Joseph  who 
Comes  now.’ 

“I  was  astonished  and  fell  down. 
The  staff  still  in  my  hand  fast  fixed,  and  while 
I  lay,  there  came  with  mighty  force  our  father 
Ezra’s  words,  ‘Haste  to  a  field  of  flowers 
Where  no  house  is  builded;  there  seven  days 
And  eat  but  honey  from  the  flowers  and  search 
The  scriptures.’  To  the  law  and  the  testimony 
The  evidence  is  all  in! 

“And  I  went 

Down  to  Egypt,  to  Nitra-Vallis.  Remember 
Tribe  of  Aser  is  most  fit,  oh  Simeon, 

For  genealogies,  and  when  I  read, 

‘I  will  strengthen  the  house  of  Judah  and  I 
Will  save  the  house  of  Joseph,  so  sayeth 

®  Jewish  Encyclopedia. 


Paffe  T^venty-tvjo 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


The  Lord  to  Isaiah  and  the  remnant  that 
Is  escaped  of  Judah  shall  again  take  root 
Downward  and  bear  fruit  upward.’  I  was  afraid! 
When  I  remembered  our  tradition  of  Seth 
And  a  ‘seed  that  shall  come  from  another  place’ 

I  was  afraid. 

“I  pondered  long  and  find 
There  is  but  one  man  who  is  left  of  Judah’s 
Loins  and  he  an  Essen  who  is  like 
To  pass  without  descendant,  so  strict  he  keeps 
The  fasts  of  that  strict  sect.  Behold  in  thy 
Mind’s  eye  far  back  to  Judah  goes  lineage 
Of  that  strict  carpenter  to  Tamar’s  son, 

And  scarlet  thread  bound  hand  of  his  twin  brother  ” 
Is  cord  that  leadeth  to  a  Virgin  dwells 
With  us ;  And  virgin  she  must  be  who  bears 

Pharez— Genesis  XXXVIII. 

Zarah — Genesis  XXXVIII. 


Page  Tvjenty-three 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


The  great  Messiah!  Up,  Simeon,  and  harken 
To  “  Isaiah!  ‘Behold  a  virgin  shall 
Conceive  and  bear  a  Son  and  He  shall  call 
His  name  Immanuel.  Such  butter  and 
Such  honey  shall  He  eat  that  He  shall  know 
To  choose  the  good  and  let  the  evil  go.’ 

And  I  remembered  this  in  Nitra-Vallis.” 

The  priest  bowed  low  obeisance  to  sacred  word 
Then  turned  astonished  gaze  to  her  rapt  face. 

“Thou  knowest  that  I  dwelt  there  seven  years. 
Then  I  came  straight  to  Anna,  Joachim’s  wife. 
Because  in  my  forecasting  they  stood  next 
In  line.  She  pondered  deeply  in  her  heart 
And  lived  accordingly.  And  oft  to  Nitra- 
Vallis  they  both  went  and  there,  as  I, 

Ate  but  the  honey  from  the  flowers. 

12  Isaiah  VII.  14-15. 


Pape  Twenty-four 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


“The  fasts 

Of  Essen  make  one  child  the  mede.  When  I 
Received  it  from  the  mid-wife  I  rejoiced 
And  I  anointed  it  with  sacred  oil 
From  altar  in  the  East!  And  if  it  be 
Of  Istar,  so  mote  it  be.  Three  times  have  seven 
Years  gone  by  since  then  and  we  have  cherished 
Her  and  guarded  her  with  prayer,  for  well 
We  know  a  Virgin  must  be  chosen  soon, 

And  we  have  long  born  her  before  the  Lord 
In  supplication  and  with  prayer.  While  strict 
Her  fasts,  her  step  is  fine  and  free.  Behold 
The  Maid ;  she  comes  from  many  lands  and  in 
Her  hands  she  holds  the  secret  of  a  nation’s 
Peace!  ’’ 

Before  them  on  the  path  to  David’s 

Tradition  says  that  our  Lady  at  the  age  of  three  was  presented 
by  her  parents  to  God  in  the  Temple. — Manual  of  Holy  Catholic 
Church.  McGovern  and  Bishop  Quigley  Imprimature. 


Paffe  T^uenty  -five 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


Gate  there  came  a  band  of  women  and  one 
Of  them  bore  turtledove. 

“Nay,  she  is  Essen: 
The  dove  is  for  Elizabeth  who  is 
Her  kinswoman,  and  who  would  sacrifice 
Again,  so  fearful  she  that  Zacharias 
And  herself  have  sinned,  because  he  speechless 
Goes  since  now  these  seven  weeks.  But  softly, 
Simeon!  By  my  prophetic  soul 
The  red  meats  of  the  altar  make  a  potent 
Feast  when,  filled  with  altar  incense,  a  priest 
Bears  them  home  to  wife  who  waits  for  him 
Impatiently.  And  I  have  marked  that  she 
Is  tribe  of  Aaron.  Ah,  daughter  of  the  Asur 
Doth  deep  in  Scripture  delve!  Nay,  wonder  not 
That  Essen  comes  with  gift  of  sacrifice: 

Too  long  have  they  been  separate.  Ah,  some 
Must  enter  in,  and  from  this  strict  sect  must 


Page  Twenty-six 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


A  Joseph  and  this  Maid,  and,  as  the  Mari 
In  great  Caesar,  there  be  many  Judahs 
And  Tamars  in  these  two!” 

Now  angrily 

The  old  man  rose,  ‘‘What?  Tamar!  Harlot?  Let  not 
The  name — ” 

‘‘What  wilt  thou,  Simeon?  Be  yet  glad 
That  Canaanitish  woman  was  not  this 
Maid’s  source.  The  Lord  wouldst  not  a  Canaanite 
Who  also  was  of  Addullam !  But  harken,  this 
Same  Tamar  was  by  our  great  Judah  justified; 

For  when  he  found  aright  that  she  did  know. 

When  he  came  comforted  from  his  wife’s  death 
His  way  lay  back  with  Shuah  to  the  Canaanites. — 

Nay,  Nay,  oh  Simeon,  there  was  no  wanton 
Here.  Doubt  not  long  study  in  her  father’s 
House,  where  she  dwelt  strict  when  Judah’s  sons 

The  cave  of  Add^ullam  was  a  too  congested  refuge  of  the  unfit. 


Paffe  T<iventy-seven 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


Had  failed,  had  made  it  plain  that  Israel’s  hope 
Was  Judah!  If  she  believed  that  she  alone 
Stood  there  between  great  Judah  and  this  Shuah 
And  Canaanitish  Addullam, — her’s  the  sacrifice! 

Her  name  shall  stand  as  fair  as  thine  or  mine 

At  that  last  day!  And  all  the  men  testified 

There  was  no  harlot  here,  and  though  Rahab’s  scarlet 

Thread  has  run  far  down  the  ages,  it 

Shall  yet  be  white  as  snow  when  this  great  Tamar’s 

Daughter  shall  bring  forth  God’s  Son,  our  King. 

“Nay,  hear  me,  I  must  speak  or  die!  Return, 

Oh  Simeon,  the  sacrifice  that  she 
Must  make!  The  women  of  her  tribe  have  ever 
Been,  while  still  most  fair,  of  yet  such  good 
Repute  that  even  Ruth  stood  blameless  in  the 
Line.  Ah,  this  name  shall  be  illustrious 

“Is  anything  so  astonishing,”  etc.  Self-Interpreting  Bible,  Gen. 
VIll,  Page  27. 


Paffe  Tiventy- eight 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


In  Bethlehem. — 

“Peace,  peace!  Oh,  Simeon! 
The  time  grows  short  and  I  am  weary:  but  that 
This  hope  gives  life  I  could  no  longer  serve. 

Great  Jacob  sayeth,  ‘The  scepter  shall  not  depart 
From  Judah;  another  lawgiver  shall  come 
From  between  his  feet  when  Shiloah  comes.’  Mark 
Siloam,  the  Virgin,  that  Joseph  and  another! 

Oh  father  Ezra,  oh  Mighty  God!  What  means 
This  thing?  Oh  thou  and  she  and  he,  we  all 
Doth  serve  but  God’s  necessity,  not  me!’’ 

Amazed,  he  gazed  where  she  sank  down,  then  stooped 
To  raise  her  and  hurriedly  drew  forth  from  his  robe 
A  draught  that  he  had  brought. 

See  etymology  of  "Nor”. 

Edershein  mentions  two  Josephs. 

See  definition  of  "necessity.” 


Page  Tnventy-nine 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


“Oh,  woman,  hath 

_  / 

Thy  juniper  or  thy  fasting  made  thee  mad? 

Or  thy  great  years  o’ercome  thee?  But  drink  again, 
Revive  thee  and  come  hence.” 

She  drank  it  deep, 

A  moment  rested  and  rose  up,  “Not  hence. 

Oh  Simeon,  until  I  charge  thee:  straight  ' 

From  altar  serve  to  that  same  carpenter 
The  reddest  meats  for  seven  times  seven  days, 

A  day  for  each  his  years.  Take  from  the  golden 
Powder  Caleb  saved,  yes,  even  pagan; 

Mix  with  it  powder  from  this  box.  ‘Tis  lime 
From  bones  of  King  of  Edom  who’s  father 
Burned  them ;  a  daring  woman  gathered  some 
In  a  small  ivory  box  carving  his  name 
Thereon ;  her  children’s  children  treasured  it ; 

The  one  who  gave  it  me  had  never  opened 
iMsaiah  XXVIII. 


Pa^e  Thirty 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


Because  the  ivory  box  was  sealed  so  close. 

“One  night  when  I  searched  in  the  dark  for  staff. 

Had  fallen  by  my  couch,  a  glowing  circle 

Met  mine  eye ;  falling,  the  staff  had  loosed 

The  cover  of  the  treasured  box  so  that 

A  little  scaped.  Quick  flashed  some  words  that  sage 

Of  Ramah  said ;  I  knew  that  I  must  burn 

Some  bones  of  Joseph  and  mingle  with  this. 

Restoring  thus  birth-right  of  Esau  against 
A  day  of  reckoning! 

“Now  half  of  this 

Upon  the  meats  and  half  in  sacred  oil, — 

Peace!  hear  me! — at  night  annointing  his 
Right  ear,  his  palms  and  his  great  toe,  burning 
The  frankincense  that  be  the  prayers  of  saints 
Close  by  his  couch  according  to  our  Law. 

Levitical. 


Page  Thirty-one 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


Guard  well  the  man  and  on  that  last  great  night 
Contrive  that  he  shall  sleep  near  Siloam. 

Nay,  I  am  not  mad!  thy  priestly  training  may  well 
Find  way  when  thou  shalt  meditate  on  this. 

Oh  softly,  as  Ramalia’s  son,  go,  Simeon, 

But  keep  thy  mind’s  eye  raised  to  God!  He  will 
Support  thee  in  this  thy  labor.  There  can 
No  evil  enter  here  or  this  will  fail. 

“Make  clean  thy  hands  and  all  thy  garments,  too; 
Bring  a  fair  lamb’s-skin,  that  one  thou  offered  up 
For  Joseph’s  sin  perchance.’’  half  scornfully. 

For  she  was  Essen, 

“But  so  thou  cleanest  it 

Make  dry  and  soft  the  skin ;  place  where  this  Joseph 
Lies  that  last  great  night  with  the  clean  inner  side 
Next  his  clean  loins.  Now  God  hath  kept  in  our 
Tradition  clear  for  a  great  purpose  and  because 


Paffe  Thirty-tfivo 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


He  would,  the  record  still  of  Err’s  sad  brother. 

Sometime  our  God  brings  good  from  ill  when  prayers 
Of  righteous  much  avail,  and  two  or  three 
Are  gathered  and  the  cause  is  good!  On  that  last  night 
When  he  is  deep  in  sleep,  dost  thou,  if  hast 
Not  lost  thy  skill,  bring  from  ‘lascivious  lute’ 

The  sounds  that  David  drew.  His  was  the  voice 
That  pleased  our  God!  Bring  all  thy  priestly  skill 
To  this,  but  bend  thy  knee  to  the  Most  High; 

Be  ready  there  with  clean  altar  spoon,  a  labis! 

“Guard  well  this  shell  I  give  to  thee,  the  same 
That  petrified  with  cunning  skill  was  held 
In  Moses’  hand  and  Josuah’s  when  God 
Carved  out  His  law  on  Sinai.  Only 

21  Psalms  XVIII,  50.  ‘‘Great  deliverance  giveth  he  to  his  king;  and 
sheweth  mercy  to  his  annointed,  to  David,  and  to  his  seed  for¬ 
evermore.” 

22  Tradition  does  not  mention  clearly  that  this  was  Terebra,  but  it 
was  undoubtedly  a  mitra  shell. 


Page  Thirty-three 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


The  point  is  worn,  open  and  smooth;  the  parchment 
That  was  round  it  in  the  sleeve  told  but 
How  it  was  used  and  given  by  Joshua 
To  one  he  loved,  who  placed  it  with  the  Altar 
Gifts  deeming  it  true  that  if  ‘The  stones 
Had  heard  the  word  of  God’  much  more  the  shell 
Had  heard,  and  might  also  ‘be  witness  if  they 
Denied  their  God.  ’  Ah !  I  have  held  it  in 
My  hand  and  prayed  at  midnight  when  beneath 
The  stars  I  wept  while  I  remembered  Sion! 

Beseeching  God  to  show  to  me  what  my 
Work  was  and  let  me  finish  it  and  go 
To  my  long  rest:  ah,  I  am  sorely  spent 
With  this  great  search!  and  never  ostra  in 
Great  Athens  did  more  banish  men  than  this 
Shell  me  from  rest  and  peace. 

Vide  Joshua  24-27,  also  Bible  Student  and  Teacher,  October,  1907. 

Index  Page  2. 


Paire  Thirty-four 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


“And  not  the  least 

Of  mine  affliction  is  thou  doubtest  not 
But  I  am  mad  and  will  not  lend  thine  office 
To  this  cause;  yet  cannot  I  alone 
Prevail,  for  never  yet  was  great  birth  given 
To  anything  that  God  did  not  call  two 
Or  more  to  act! “ 

The  old  man  rose  with  sad 
Stern  face  hard  set,  “Thy  speech,  oh  Prophetess, 
Filled  so  with  heathen  lore  would  make  my  priestly 
Ear  turn  stone  but  that  thou  temperest  it 
With  God’s  own  holy  word.  But  surely  this 
Were  sinful  seed  could  not  be  used  for  good 
E’en  in  thy  magic  shell?’’ 

“Nay,  Nay,  Simeon, 
This  is  no  ‘sinful  seed!’  For  seven  times  seven 
Years  the  man  has  blameless  lived;  with  strictest 

Vide  Egyptian  research  in  1910. 


Page  Thirty-five 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


Sect  here  formed  a  body  that  is  good. 

The  substance  of  the  seed  is  made  long  e’re 
The  wine  and  feasting  bring  it  forth ;  the  lime 
But  makes  him  more  of  what  he  is.  Ah,  not 
To  youth  could  this  for  good  be  given  for  it 
Would  make  such  clamour  in  the  blood,  could  not 
Content  to  learn  life’s  lessons  and  its  work: 

And  to  great  years  like  thine  and  mine  ’twould  bring 
But  sad  confusion.  He  must  not  know — ah,  thou 
Wouldst  have  sore  task  to  bring  this  Joseph  to 
Consent  to  this,  for  we  know  his  sect  holds 
’Twere  sinful  act  for  man  to  use  the  great 
Jeh ova’s  creative  with  only  aim 
To  enjoy  a  fleeting  pleasure  without  desire 

That  there  be  created  another  voice 
To  praise  our  God!  And  verily  would  God 

Late  research  has  found  that  the  phosphorus  in  buried  bones  is 
both  a  blessing  and  a  curse  to  humanity,  according  as  it  is  used 
by  ignorant  or  wise,  good  or  bad. 


Pa^e  Thirty-six 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


Punish  it  and  it  would  bring  e’en  to  the  third 
And  fourth  of  any  generation  confusion. 

And  curse  that  fell  on  Addullum. — An  this 
Were  true,  so  verily  if  with  right  purpose 
He  were  used  to  further  ‘greatest  Birth’ 

He  shall  go  scathless  up  to  meet  his  God ! 

More  than  the  ‘thousand  years’  have  purified 
The  line  from  all  the  thoughts  that  Judah’s  sons 
Of  Addullum  had  wrought.  Perchance  the  last 
Spark  that  remains  may  still  be  used  for  good 
If  blown  by  the  right  breath! — I  leave  it  to 
Thy  priestly  skill  with  David’s  lute.  From  agnus 
Castus,  growing  near,  bring  long  clean  stalk 
And  from  the  dove,  thou  offerest  for  Elizabeth, 

The  long  clean  channel  where  soft  song  comes  forth. 


Abram  balsam. 

There  was  some  confusion  in  the  vision  as  to  whether  this  stalk 
might  not  be  Calamus  instead  of  Agnus  Castus. 


Page  Thirty-seven 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


May  priestly  **  lore  and  long  meditation  serve 
Thee:  I  will  not  despise  them  if  they  but  serve 
Us  now. 

“My  own  task  is  far  greater!  God 
Grant  me  strength  if  is  announced  unto  the  Maid 
God’s  ‘call’  ’’ 

She  gazed  a  moment  where  the  priest 
Fell  down,  then  muttered,  “Sisera!  where  he  fell  down 
He  fell  down.’’ 

And  went  her  way,  her  labored  way. 

Her  toilsome  way  back  to  her  cell,  both  hands 
Fast  clasping  Judah’s  staff  that  had  felt  Tamar’s 
Tears.  Ah,  who  can  tell  but  that  the  sacred 
Oil  in  Anna’s  hand  oft  left  had  mingled 
With  this  salt,  this  strong  great  woman’s  tears. 

Hid  by  God’s  hand  in  crevised  oak  of  staff 

Knowledge  which  even  in  those  early  days  produced  an  Aescula- 
pious  that  was  so  learned  his  name  grew  one  to  conjure  with. 


Paffe  Thirty-eight 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


To  be  absorbed  in  years  of  patient  toil 
By  the  right  woman’s  hand  who  would  not  only 
Justify  for  Tamar  but  would  from  long 
Gleaning  in  great  fields  be  the  Creator’s 
Instrument,  to  yet  prepare  the  way  for  ‘Greatest 
Birth  of  time;’  and  if  revived  by  this 

From  fingertips  were  sent  electric  touch 
To  well-stored  brain,  is  this  a  miracle? 

Is  this  the  ‘Holy  Ghost?’ 

Her  toilsome  way 

Lay  back  by  David’s  gate  and  there  she  sank 
Down  by  the  way-side  where  the  Maid  returning 
Found  her  and  ministered  unto  her,  restoring 
Her  unto  her  widowed  couch  within 

Herbert  Spencer  says  justice  is  in  the  making. 

2**  Bacon. 

Dr,  Barety  .  .  .  has  attempted  to  show  that  actual  "neuric 

rays”  are  emitted  by  eyes  and  fingers,  which  are  susceptible  of 
reflection  from  mirrors,  concentration  by  lenses,  etc.  Proc.  Soc. 
Psycho.  Research,  Oct.  1886,  p  173. 


Paffe  Thirty-nine 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


The  cloister’d  wall;  and  she  did  watch  beside. 

Her  there  alone.  Revived,  the  elder  gazed 
Upon  the  Maid  with  added  awe,  reminding 
Her  as  mothers  oft  in  Israel  taught. 

To  keep  all  pure  within  and  out,  if  so 

Be  that  “the  Lord  should  seek  a  Virgin  for 

The  Messiah’s  birth’’  she  might  be  found  among 

Them.  And  oft  she  taught  the  Maid  from  that  great  Daniel®^ 

That  was  read  in  schools  of  Ramah’s  mountain 

And  oft  read  from  the  Scripture  Isaiah’s  prophecy. 

So  patiently  the  Maiden  tended  her 

That  her  own  cheek  grew  pale  and  Anna  said, 

“Return  with  thy  neighbor  women  for  three  days 
And  tell  them  I  am  waiting  still  and  keep 
The  fasts.  Ah,  woe  is  me  that  I  must  be 
Both  Essen  and  a  Prophetess!’’ 

*2  Daniel  IX,  23,  29,  etc. 

»Msaiah  XXVIll. 


Paffe  Forty 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


And  when 

The  evening  of  the  third  day  came,  painfully 
And  leaning  heavy  on  the  staff,  she  met 
Her  where  the  setting  sun  with  golden  ray 
Soft  halo  cast  around  the  Virgin’s  head. 

The  quick  sense  of  the  prophetess  discerned 
The  Maiden  was  renewed  and  more;  the  vibrant 
Voice  saluting  her  spoke  not  of  Eessn 
Fasts  and  her  lithe  form  was  tense  with  bounding 
Womanhood.  A  great  fear  fell  upon 
The  Prophetess  and  silently  she  motioned 
That  the  Maid  support  her  to  a  stone 
Where  she  sat  down.  The  oaken  staff  fell  sharp 
Across  a  beam  in  western  wall ;  soft  echo 
Caught  the  vibrant  sound  and  Anna  raised 
Her  head  and  said, 

“O,  God  of  Israel, 

Here  let  Shecina  bide!  Now  tell  to  me. 


Pa^e  Forty-one 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


Oh  daughter  of  a  truthful  tribe,  where  thou 
Hast  tarried  and  with  whom  thou  spake.” 

Now  proudly 

Turned  the  Maid  with  a  new  grace,  ‘‘Thou  knowest. 
Mother  Anna,  that  my  feet  have  gone 
But  in  the  path  that  led  back  to  my  home: 

That  there  with  mine  own  mother  have  I  kept. 

Awhile  I  rested,  then  joined  the  women  in 

Their  tasks.  The  woman  I  went  down  with  staid. 

But  my  own  mother,  to  guard  me  well,  came  far 

As  Siloam  and  there  this  daughter  of 

The  Saducees  was  waiting  me  and  I 

Did  rest  but  for  a  moment  and  plucked  this.” 

Red  rose  she  held  lent  glow  to  sun-browned  cheek. 
Where  now  dark  lashes  trembling  gently,  fell. 

‘‘And  who  was  there  that  spake  with  thee,  oh  Maid?” 

A  moment  and  the  cheek  outvied  the  rose ; 


Page  Forty-t^o 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


But  she  was  Essen  yet  and  brave  she  spake, 

“It  was  a  Councellor  that  comes  and  goes 
By  David’s  gate.’’ 

“What  were  his  words?’’  compelled 
The  Prophetess,  sternly,  but  the  Maid  was  brave. 

“The  words,  oh  Mother  Anna,  were  to  me 
A  summons  from  the  strict  sect  where  I  bide, — 

‘I  have  a  feeling  for  thee  I  have  for  none 
Other  in  all  the  world;  begun  when  I 
First  saw  thee,  it  hath  grown  but  greater  day 
By  day!’  ’’  The  words  came  softly  but  she  raised 
Proud  head. 

“And  thou?’’  sharply,  the  Prophetess. 

“  ‘I  am  of  Essen;  thou  must  respect  me  well.’ 

And  I  ran  here, — but  I  repent  me  now.’’ 

“Thou  dost  well!’’  so  sternly  misinterpreting 
The  elder  rose,  “But  thou  art  not  well  suited 


Pa^e  Forty-three 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


To  Essenic  fasts:  behold  this  day  thou  art 
Bethrothed  to  Joseph  of  thine  own  sect,  if  they 
Will  have  it  so,  and  mine  the  task  to  reconcile 
Them  to  it.” 

‘‘Nay,  nay,  oh  Mother  Anna,  think  not 
That  I  would  marriage  seek,  I  was  most  mad 
To  speak,  but  thou  compell’st  me.  Behold  I  am 
Content  and  I  am  Essen  and  may  not  wed.” 

Next  day  the  Councellor  sought  out  Anna. 

‘‘Peace!  Councellor!  she  is  of  the  Lord’s  annointed. 
Wouldst  thou  cheat  the  Almighty  of  His  own 
And  this  great  race?  Nay,  verily,  thou  canst 
Not.  Behold  she  is  this  day  bethrothed  to  Joseph 
Who  goes  there!”  Beyond  them  on  the  path 
A  carpenter. 

Amazed  and  angry  the  man 
Rose  up,  threw  back  proud  head  that  crowned  a  manly 


Page  Forty-four 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


Form.  “What?  woman!  tis  but  her  father’s  brother 
That  goes  there,  staid  now  with  two  score  years 
And  ten  while  she  is  not  the  half.  Thou  knowest 
He’s  not  fit  mate  for  this  fair  Maid.’’ 

“Whatever 

Hast  thou  from  her,  what  word,  Councellor?’’ 

“Ah,  well 

Thou  knowest  the  maid  must  needs  be  often  sought 
Before  a  word,  and  ’tis  but  thrice  I  have 
Been  blessed  with  vision  of  the  Maid  and  each 
Of  these  her  mother  or  thyself  attended.’’ 

“Speak,  son  of  old  Abmelech  of  Ramah!’’ 

“  ‘I  am  of  Essen;  my  fasts  are  strict;  respect  me  I’  ’’ 

“True  this  were  all,  but  the  soft  rose  that  bloomed 
Belied  her  words.  Nay,  I  must  have  it  from  her, 

From  her  own  lips,  ere  I  go  home  or  cease! 


Paffe  Forty-five 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


If  thou  so  constant  and  she,  too,  canst  wait 
Awhile — the  while  we  seek  Jehovah’s  will — 

It  may  be  she  is  called  for  His  great  work! 

For  three  score  days  keep  to  thyself  and  parchments; 

Seek  not  the  Maid,  for  guarded  close  none  toucheth 
Her. 

“Nay,  nay,  be  still!  Thou  wouldst  not  call  upon 
Her  God’s  great  wrath,  and  for  a  fleeting  pleasure 
Consign  thee  both  to  Gehenna?  It  is  not  strange 
To  me  that  thou  didst  meet  the  Maid  beside 
That  Siloam  where  often  and  again  great  souls 
Have  met!  The  waters  of  Shiloah  that  go  softly  shall  wait 
No  longer  for  the  Lord’s  annointed  one! 

Dimly  the  bath-kol  in  mine  ear  is  sounding, 

Dimly  our  great  Isaiah,  the  call  to  Cyrus! 

The  two-leaved  gate!  our  Hezekiah!  Shiloah! 

“I  thank  the  sage  that  taught  thee,  oh  Councellor; 


Pa^e  Forty-six 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


Though  few  thy  five  and  twenty  years,  thy  training 
With  my  long  searching  must  truly  bring  us 
To  know  the  truth.  And  if  the  Maid  be  not 
Afraid, — Oh,  father  Ezra,  oh  Mighty  God 
Sustain  us  all!  But  harken,  Councellor, 

The  Maid  knows  well  her  part,  and  never  dream 
That  she  will  falter  in  it.  She  promises 
That  she  will  never  falter  in  it!  If  she 
Be  called  of  God  for  the  Messiah’s  birth. 

Thou  knowest,  thou  nor  she  nor  I  must  fail: 

And  if  she  be  not  called,  then  she  shall  choose 
Of  these  Josephs  and  I  will  into  cloistered 
Cell  to  die,  frustrated  of  my  hope. 

And  Israel  waiting  yet  her  King.” 

“Oh,  woman. 

Thou  art  mad  from  thy  long  search,  mad  with 
A  Rashi  vision  that  doth  make  me  mad.” 


Paffe  Forty-seven 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


“Nay,  Councellor,  ’tis  thou  art  mad  if  thou 
Dost  think  that  now  the  times  are  all  fulfilled 
That  thou  canst  overthrow  the  Lord.  The  Maiden 
Is  the  Lord’s  for  yet  three  months!  To  the  law 
And  the  testimony. — But  I  am  spent;  I  go 
To  rest.  Meet  me  at  Siloam  at  dawn.” 

At  dawn  he  stood  with  haughty  mien  and  eye 
Demanding.  The  Prophetess  came  slowly,  bent, 
With  both  hands  on  the  staff  and  spake  unto  him. 
“Not  I,  but  God  calls  thee  as  He  calls  her. 

And  if  there  be  great  sacrifice,  so  mote 
It  be!  If  from  the  compurgation  she 
Must  face  when  she  goes  into  Siloam, 

She  standeth  clear  and  ordinate  and  seven 
Witnesses,  for  seven  is  the  light. 

Can  testify  that  never  mortal  man 

Hath  touched  her,  ‘she  shall  shine  as  shine  the  stars 

An  old  Graeco-Roman  observance. 


Pape  Forty-eight 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


In  heaven  and  queens  shall  be  her  nursing  mothers!’ 

Verily  our  God  sent  thee,  oh  Councellor, 

Just  yesterday  I  was  distraught — but  now 

That  thy  great  love  and  hers  and  mine  and  Simeon’s, 

A  quadrature,  another  Joseph,  a  Roc, 

A  pentangle — 

“Nay,  not  mad.  Dost  thou  not  know 
How  great  must  be  the  sacrifice  that  crowns 
The  ages  and  all  other  sacrifice  and  makes 
This  final?  But  Councellor,  this  Ordae  Missi 
Must  come  soon.  Behold  it  nears  the  Ides 
Of  Mars.  Nay,  not  all  war;  dost  know  in  Ides 
Of  Mars  so  softly  nature  sends  up  in 
The  vine  the  great  God’s  impulse?  I  cannot  tell 
Thee  all.  Trust  me,  or  trust  the  God  who  guideth 
Me. 

The  birth  of  the  Messiah  is  to  take  place  when  Jupiter  and  Saturn 
meet  in  the  constellation  of  Pisces,  making  resurrection  name 
Christos.  Erythea.  Egyptian  Legend. 


Pa^e  Forty-nine 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


“This  pool  where  thou  didst  meet  her,  turn 
Aside  from  stream  above  it  a  small  rivulet 
Above  among  the  rocks  so  it  falls  gently 
To  one  side.  If  our  great  Hezekiah 
Could  contrive  with  force  to  turn  a  greater 
Stream,  it  were  not  hard  for  thee  to  fashion 
Fountain  for  the  Maid.  And  if  canst  not 
Alone,  call  Nicodemus,  thy  good  friend. 

Well  versed  in  Archimedean  lore.  Dost  thou 
Recall  when  altar  stones  were  cast  aside 
When  a  new  altar  builded  ?  Alas  the  day ! 

I’ve  cried,  for  one  of  them  was  that  which  Moses 
Did  let  fall.  ‘Twas  cherished  long  by  Joshua 
Because  he  knew  the  labor  and  the  sweat 
That  went  into  it  and  it  had  also  ‘heard 
The  word  of  God.’  The  half  was  builded  in 
First  altar  by  one  he  loved.  When  he  the  new 
Altar  builded,  this  rejected  was  but  by 


Page  Fifty 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


Another  kept. — This  rejected  shall  become 
The  center  Roc  of  this  compurgatory  ordae. 

If  thou  shouldst  lift  stone  covering  my  father’s  father 
Made,  thou  wouldst  behold  the  stains  were  made 
By  sacrifice.  But  lift  not  covering  until 
I  bring  the  Maid,  but  place  the  stone  where  thou 
Dost  bring  the  rill.” 

‘‘O  woman,  truly  thou 

Art  mad,  mad  and  distraught:  but  that  the  Maid 
Commands  me  I’d  defy  thee!  For  her  I  go 
To  do  this  thing,  but  remember,  that  never 
Hawk  watched  keener  than  mine  eye  the  Maiden’s  safety.” 

‘‘Peace,  Councellor,  she  shall  be  watched  by  seven, — 
Three  women  and  three  men  and  God  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Haste  to  thy  part  in  this,  I  go  to  rest.” 


Pag/e  Fifty-one 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 

grTBMM>T>n»WfMTBJIIIBir»11TWggTffTrT*nT[TTTTi^rWMr*'*rriTrTTTrrM*MMirfTf~MMMr*ir»fBWTg*li^^BMt»MMWWT*iTMM**l~1 


At  night  within  the  cloistered  cell  the  Maid 
Lay  in  a  troubled  sleep,  when  a  strange  singing 

Sounded  in  her  ear,  “Hail!  thou  that  art 
Highly  favored.  The  Lord  is  with  thee.  Blessed 
Art  thou  among  women!  At  thy  supplication 
The  command  came  forth  and  I  am  come  to  show 
Thee  for  thou  art  greatly  beloved,  therefore 
Shalt  thou  understand ;  consider  the  vision ! 

Behold  thou  shalt  conceive  in  thy  womb  and  bring 
Forth  a  Son!  And  He  shall  call  His  name  Immanuel. 
Such  butter  and  such  honey  shall  he  eat 
That  He  shall  know  to  choose  the  good,  letting 
The  evil  go.’’ 

And  when  the  Maiden  raised 
Her  eyes  in  awe,  before  her  gainst  the  darkness 
Rose  a  light,  a  pillar  like  unto  the  one 
That  Moses  saw.  Afraid,  she  cried,  “How  can 

Ave. 


Paffe  Fifiy-tivo 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


This  thing  be  seeing  no  man  hath  known  me?” 

And 

A  voice  answered,  ‘‘The  Holy  Ghost  shall  come 
To  thee  therefore  that  holy  thing  which  shall 
Be  born  of  thee  shall  be  called  the  Son  of  God. 

With  God  nothing  shall  be  impossible.  Even 
Elizabeth,  thy  cousin,  hath  conceived  in  her 
Old  age.” 

The  Maid  came  swiftly  from  the  inner 
Cloister  out  to  Anna,  trembling  but  brave. 

And  told  her  of  this.  The  Prophetess  did  comfort 
Her  and  gravely  summoned  her  to  go 
With  her  to  Siloam. 

And  there  at  midnight  she  lay 
Her  down  on  stones  that  formed  a  cross  at  one 
Side  of  the  pool,  and  east  and  west  and  north 
And  south  it  spaced  dimensions.  The  coarse  white  robe 


Page  Fifty-three 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


Of  Essen  was  not  more  white  than  her  face  pale 
With  fasting  and  with  prayer,  for  well  knew  Anna 

That  fasting  women  oftenest  mother  sons. 

Her  long  dark  hair  enveloped  her  and  where 
Its  two  strands  joined,  below  the  virgin  zone. 

The  Prophetess  entwined  a  red,  red  rose. 

About  the  Maiden’s  strong  line  brow  a  filet 
Held  phylactery,  and  firm  about  one  rounded 
Arm  an  amulet  and  on  the  other 
Like  a  shield,  white  fleece  of  goat  that  had 
Been  sacrificed  for  her,  and  held  fast  in 
The  hands  who’s  fingertips  pressed  fingertips 
Its  precious  Bozear  stone. 

Then  came  that  Anna 

¥ 

Who  had  borne  the  Maid  and  placed  seven  lighted 
Candles  in  the  candlesticks  that  were 
Around  her.  And  silently  came  Simeon  and  warm 
From  his  right  hand  to  Prophetess  the  shell 


Paffe  Fifty -four 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


Who’s  tip  he  guarded  with  his  palm.  Behind 
Him  followed  two  who  bore  between  them  in  golden 
Censer  from  Temple  altar  live  coals  where  smoked 
The  frankincense.  These  two  who  bore  these  prayers 
Of  saints  were  Josephs,  and  one  seemed  dazed  and  walked 
As  if  from  sleep  just  roused.  The  other,  who’s 
Gaze  challenged  all,  yet  bowed  and  knelt  the  while 
That  Simeon  placed  there  the  sacred  fire.  So  for 
Brief  moment  mingled  ancient  law  and  new. 

The  sarcedotal  and  the  law  of  love. 

Eyes  for  brief  moment  raised  to  Heaven,  tense  hands 
Who’s  fingertips  pressed  hard  on  fingertips: 

While  over  all  did  brood  the  Sacred  Seventh. 

Raising  the  oaken  staff,  pointing  above 
The  aged  Prophetess  sank  to  her  knees. 

On  one  side  supported  by  Temple’s  grave  Priest 
And  heavily  leaning  on  Chancellor’s  arm 


Page  Fifty- five 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


Where  staff  pointed  upward  went  great  Judah’s  son. 
Suspended  from  the  oaken  staff  an  ancient 
Filfot  hung,  which  sharply  smote  with  sistrum 
Now  pealed  like  angelus  bell.  With  strong  voice  that 
Belied  her  years  Anna,  the  Priestess,  sang. 

The  while  she  knelt  with  gentle  touch  beside 
The  Maid. 

“Oh  longed  for  Maid  of  Judah’s  house 
Be  not  cast  down,  for  great  is  Holy  One 
Of  Israel  in  thy  midst.  Sing  unto  the  Lord 
For  he  hath  done  most  excellent  things.  Behold 
This  shall  be  known  in  all  the  earth  though  for 
A  time  and  a  half  the  secret  dwells  where  no 
One  tells;  It  is  our  fight  with  hells.’’ 

Rising, 

The  Prophetess  held  high  great  Judah’s  staff 

The  bell  supposed  from  earliest  times  to  drive  away  evil  spirits. 
Vide  Daniel. 


Page  Fifty-six 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


As  if,  like  Moses,  to  strike  a  rock  above. 
Obedient,  they  who  trusted  her  and  with  her, 

God,  gave  signal  to  that  Nicodemus, 

Who  thru  clean  brook’s  bed  had  just  before 
Drawn  living  fire  warming  a  living  stream. 

Led  by  the  Priest  with  David’s  harp,  two  Josephs 
Joined  their  voices, 

“Oh,  come  let  us  worship 
And  bow  down.  Oh  all  the  works  of  the  Lord 
Bless  the  Lord.  Praise  and  exalt  Him  above 
All  forever;  bless  the  Lord  in  all  his  works 
In  all  places.  Bless  the  Lord,  Oh  my  soul!’’ 

#  ^ 

Oh  rose  the  secret  keep  of  where  the  fountain 
Fell,  till  science  bids  thee  clear  the  Virgin’s 
Name,  oh  never  tell. 

The  white  fleece  that 

Was  tossed  as  in  a  storm  lay  stilled  like  crested 


Page  Fifty-seven 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


Foam  across  the  Virgin  breast,  half  veiling 
With  its  fringing  edge  the  startled  Virgin 
Face,  where  trembling  lashes  held  hot  tears 
That  fell  on  staff  which  lay  beside  the  altar 
Stones.  Fast  in  a  priest’s  sleeve  reverently 
The  Prophetess  encased  a  shell  now  deeper 
Crimsoned  o’er.  Still  held  on  agnus  castiis 
By  singing  tube,  now  silenced,  of  sacrificial  dove. 

Now  leaning  hard  on  Judah’s  staff  the  Prophetess, 

“Lo,  Simeon,  the  Maid  is  to  the  Temple 
Dedicate  and  in  a  priest’s  house  must  dwell 
Ordinate,  with  Zacharias  and  Elizabeth 
For  full  three  months.  Lo  I  am  spent  and  wait 
Here.  Call  Nicodemus.” 

And  on  a  bier  who’s  covering 
Two  Josephs  spread,  on  fleece  from  sacrificial 
Lamb  was  borne  that  called  “the  Lord’s  anointed 


Paffe  Fifty-eight 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


And  Heaven’s  Queen.”  And  when  at  Zacharias’ 

Door  they  stood,  the  rosy  dawn  paled  crescent 
Istar  where  she  hung  dethroned  forever 
By  this  mortal  ‘‘Queen  of  Heaven  and  Earth.” 

And  over  her  hands  raised  high,  spake  Simeon, 

‘‘Behold!  Not  in  a  corner  was  this  done, 

For  we  are  witnesses  of  great  Compurgatory  Ordae! 

The  Lord  make  the  woman  that  cometh  to  thy  house 
To  be  with  Elizabeth,  like  Rachel  and  Leah 
Which  of  old  did  build  house  of  Israel! 

The  Lord  is  a  God  of  knowledge,  by  Him  are  actions 
Weighed.  In  Bethlehem  this  Virgin  shall  be 
Illustrious  and  the  shout  of  a  King  shall  be  heard 
In  the  land.” 

And  Elizabeth  spake  out  with  a  loud 
Voice  and  said,  ‘‘Blessed  art  thou  among  women,  blessed 
Fruit  of  thy  womb.  Whence  to  me  that  the  Mother  of 

89  Ruth  2-15. 


Page  Fifty-nine 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


My  Lord  cometh  for  lo!  on  thy  salutation  the  babe 
In  my  womb  leaps  for  joy!  And  blessed  is  she 
That  hath  faith ;  there  shall  be  performance  of 
Those  things  told  her  of  the  Lord.”  “ 

And  the  witnesses 

Lifted  up  their  voices  and  said,  ‘‘My  soul  doth  magnify 
The  Lord  and  rejoiceth  in  God,  for  he  hath  regarded 
The  low  estate  of  His  hand-maiden.  Behold, 

From  henceforth  all  generations  shall  call  her  Blessed. 

He  that  is  mighty  hath  done  to  her  great  things. 

And  His  mercy  is  on  them  that  fear  Him  from  generation 
Unto  generation.  He  hath  shown  strength  with  His  arm ; 
He  hath  scattered  the  proud  in  the  imagination 
Of  their  hearts;  He  hath  put  down  the  mighty 
From  their  seats  and  exalted  them  of  low  degree.” 

Luke  1 . 

Psalms  34.3,  35.9.  1  Samuel  1,  Psalms  139.6,  Matt.  3.12,  Psalms 

71.19,  126.23,  3.9,  Genesis  17.7,  Exodus  20.6,  Psalms  118.15, 

Isaiah  40.10,  52.10,  Psalms  33.10,  Job  5.11. 


Page  Sixty 


The  Annunciation — The  First  Mass 


Pale  and  sad  the  Councellor,  worn  from  wandering 
Far  on  rocky  fastness  of  the  hills. 

When  this  great  day  was  drawing  to  a  close. 

His  sandled  feet  were  bleeding  but  both  hands 
And  lips  were  clenching  when  he  found  the  aged  Anna 
Brooding  and  alone. 

“Reproach  me  not, 

Oh  Councellor,  I  have  bereft  myself  of  one 
Who’s  gentle  ministering  soothed  my  too  heavy  years. 
Thy  happiness  nor  mine  concerns  us  now. 

Perchance  in  fields  Elysian,  when  life  is  done. 

It  may  be  given  thee  where  Rhadamanthus 
Reigns  to  feel  from  out  the  depths  a  presence 
Come  and  it  shall  be  to  thee  or  her 
Or  God,  for  all  of  these  are  Love.  But  now, 

Oh  gird  thee  for  thy  work,  Councellor. 

My  searching  out  the  Scripture  now  doth  bring 


Puf/e  Sixty-one 


The  Virgin  Birth  Illumined 


A  fear.  Oh,  woe  is  us  if  they  reject 
Their  King.” 

“Oh  woman,  mad  and  strange,  how  dost 
Thou  rave.  How  can  a  King  come  from  such  sorcery?” 

“Trust  me  as  I  trust  thee  and  thy  great  love 

For  the  blessed  Maid.  The  King  will  come,  but  now 

By  my  prophetic  soul  the  tyrant,  Herod, 

May  contrive  that  Israel  shall  reject 

Him!  Isaiah  sayeth,  ‘He  was  led  as  a  lamb 

To  the  slaughter.’  But  thou  and  I  must  work  together 

For  this  cause.  Our  Scripture  sayeth,  ‘Out 

Of  Egypt  have  I  called  my  son!’  Be  ready, 

Councellor,  to  get  thee  to  that  Nitra-Vallis 

And  find  a  place  where  these  three  shall  abide 

In  peace  until  this  Herod’s  rage  is  spent.” 


Pa^e  Sixty-Hvo 


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